Calling time on seasonal pests

AS we welcome the lengthening spring days, we also welcome increasing temperatures and this seasonal change is fantastic in terms of plant growth. However, increasing temperatures brings with it the perennial problem of the reemergence of pests that can live on our pets coats, such as fleas, lice and ticks.

Ticks in particular are a problem, in so far as, often times, they can go unnoticed for a considerable length of time, even days. In of themselves, ticks don’t directly cause that many serious issues, but occasionally they can cause an abscess at the sight of attachment. However, more seriously, they can be a vector for a number of much more serious infections, among which is Lyme disease.

Lyme disease can be a potentially serious debilitating infection. When established in the unfortunate pet, it can lead to serious disease, with clinical signs of lameness, swollen glands (lymph nodes), joint swelling, fatigue and loss of appetite. In addition, serious kidney disease can also develop.

One of the major problems with Lyme disease is that only 5 to 10 percent of infected pets go on to show any significant clinical signs, and often this can be months after actual infection.

Tick control significantly reduces the possibility of Lyme infection, as well as the potential for skin lesions associated with the actual tick bite. There are now numerous preparations both topical and oral that are available that can be used to minimise tick problems, as they can control other parasitic infestations of a seasonal nature also. That is why it is advisable to prevent rather than try to cure, and starting a routine regular flea/tick/lice prevention protocol with your pet this time of year is a good idea.

As our winters get more mild, parasites such as fleas are inevitably able to over winter and cause issues for our pets almost year round. Flea infestation is both a terrible nuisance for our pets. More significantly, it can in some cases lead to flea hypersensitivity syndrome, which can be a life-long problem for our pets, not to mention the possibility of us humans becoming infected. Again, the same advice applies when it comes to treating flea problems: prevention is easier – and most likely cheaper – than cure.

I myself use the calendar on my phone to help remind me to treat my pets for parasitic infections on a routine basis throughout the year. I find it a really useful tool to remind me. Depending on the product(s) you use, this can be done regularly, based on the advice on the data sheet that comes with whichever product you use.

Veterinarian Conal Finnerty MRCVS practises at the Skeldale Vet Clinics in Ballinrobe and Belmullet. Follow the clinic on Facebook, or call 094 9541980 or 087 9185350 to make an appointment.